//------------------------------// // The eyes of the Watcher Part II // Story: Spiders and Magic: The Harmony Avengers // by andrew7 //------------------------------// By the time, as Uatu finished his version of explanation about history of his kind and breaking his oath in numerous occasions in order to help Earths super heroes and humanity alike to survive and ensure the safety of entire reality and universe, everypony just stood in front of the Watcher, amazed and taken aback by the events that just had been transpired in front of their eyes via illusion, yet it still seemed so much realistic for them and not knowing what to say about it. However, after a while of dead silence and a small tension in the air, even though no one could actually hear them in space, Twilight was the first who broke the silence. “Wow! So many different new worlds as well as other extraterrestrial species up there…in space.” The violet mare just could hold her excitement and giggling uncontrollably. “And all those advanced technologies and knowledge beyond imagining. Just image how it would be great if you Watchers actually helped us improve our technology. We could all learn from each other so much, Uatu.” “I am very pleased by your enthusiasm and interest as well passion for science and knowledge, Twilight.” Uatu stated calmly and though despite his expression remaining stoic as ever, deep down, he was indeed very pleased by young mares compliment. “But unfortunately, I wish Prosilicans could share your own good intentions for achieving a great deeds.” “It is alright, Uatu.” Rarity was the next who spoke off in a sympathy. “We know it wasn’t your fault of those Prosilicans unfortunate and sad fate. All what you and Watchers had ever intended to, was just trying to help the other species and offering them your technology for a greater good and development. I know it. I am an Element of Generosity after all.” White unicorn with blue crystals like cutie mark stated lovingly, as she attempted to cheer the giant alien up a bit. “Those…Prosilicans caused it all by themselves.” Chrysalis on the other hand hissed a bit, evident by her disappointment with green aliens actions. “You Watchers offered Prosilicans a great gift and how had they ever repaid you for your generosity? By taking an advantage of your technology and using it for their own selfish temptations. Ingrates.” Though those words were quite harsh, they actually bore a pure truth about the situation, the other ponies around could do nothing but agree with her statement. Changeling queen paused for a while and yet, her frustrated behaviour suddenly shifted to much more remorseful. “Yet, though as much as I hate to admit it or even justifying their actions, everyone is the agent of his own fortune. But then again, I really feel sorry for them.” “Chmm….” Chrysalis suddenly sighed melancholically. “How terrible would it be if I used that technology to wipe out the entire pony race from the face of the Equestria just because of my own pride in order to save my kind, that would eventually be on the verge of extinction as well.” She referred a hint of a possible alternative future where she ruled the entire Equestria with her changelings with an iron fist and most of ponies slaughtered, if Peter didn’t find a solution to make a peace between ponies and changelings. Sensing her remorse, Peter trotted closer to changeling queen and placed a hoof on her shoulder. “Come on, Chrys. That is already long behind you and us all. Let it go.” The stallion spoke off in the most carrying voice he could muster, smiling widely as the Changeling queen replied his smile by her own. “Uatu.” Cadance stated somewhat justifying and solemnly. “We all make mistakes that can cause horrible things sometimes. But that is exactly what makes us what we are. Our mistakes help and enable us to learn from our failures and then starting over and hoping we would do things right in the future.” Considering and being also amazed by Princess of Crystal Empires words of wisdom, Uatu could do mothing but compliment. “Your words are simple, yet bearing lots of sense and wisdom, Princess Cadance. Yet, during my near eternity of watching and observing the happening and events going throughout the Universe as well as Humans on Earth, though we have sometimes an opportunity do something, even if it is for a greater good, it doesn’t ALWAYS mean we should do something about it. This is exactly happened with Prosicilians.” The Watcher stated by his own words. “Mmm….I guess so. Sometimes, it is just better to leave things to their natural course.” Cadance nod in agreement, sympathizing with Uatu. Hey….Uatu.” Rainbow Dash exhaled curiously. "Yes, Rainbow Dash? What is it?” Uatu asked politely, shifting his gaze to blue pegasus flipping her wings in the mid-air. “You have said that Watchers are sworn only to watch and observe things and never interfere.” Rainbow trailed off, as the Uatu only nod in agreement, yet knowing that there must have been more about pegasus question. “Besides that you are the only one who had ever broke that. But tell me….Is it not actually boring just standing the eternity and watching things happening on different planets and universe? I mean…It is so monotonous.” Rainbows though seemingly simple question, was just too rich to ignore. Uatu, though his stoic expression remaining intact as ever, a small ghost of smile formed on his face. “Very observant, Rainbow Dash. Yet, this might be a good question which actually also might be difficult to answer. But then again…..Not at all. As I said before and may to repeat myself…..We have an eternity to stand and watch, there is almost nothing we do not see and almost nothing we do not know. For we are the Watchers. It what we do.” Uatus choice of words were somehow blunt, yet true. “That actually…..make sense.” Rainbow replied, shrugging her shoulders indifferently. “Uatu….” Now Pinkie addressed Watcher and of course, in pink party ponys case, this should be rich. “By your watching and checking the thing in the Universe out, haven’t you at least consider make yourself a little comfy, by providing a yourself a comfortable armchair and a bag of popcorn, pie and chilled drink? Your task would be then easier by that.” Pinkies response earned a series of exasperated groans as well as sweat drops and as Applejack bumped a pink mare into her guts a bit. “Nice one Pinkie.” Peter groaned sarcastically by his party friends statement. “You could even recommend Uatu to establish his very home cinema on the Blue Area of the Moon.” Paying the everyponys collective reactions to Pinkies choice of words and Pets sarcastic remarks no mind, Uatua replied back nonetheless. “Your eccentric, enthusiastic and…every happy attitude still keeps me confusing, Pinkie Pie. Yet, just like Peter, even you are able to enlighten even the darkest of the moments and still staying positive by the same, as well keeping your friends that way. Yet, about your question….Being an ancient and nearly immortal alien race, as well as powerful beings, who by the way almost never uses their full potential, we Watchers requires no need for food, drink, breath or sleep. Simple put….We don’t require much for living but watching at all.” “Really? Pinke exhaled both amazed and enthusiastic as Uatu simply nod instead of saying a word. But before pink mare could say anything else, Applejack, once again nudged her with a stern expression, which kept her silent. “Yet….” Luna interjected firmly and eying Watcher suspiciously. “Your own kind firmly and officially established their oath to never interfere into happening of the Universe and only observing and recording events, but despite that, you had broken your oath so many times that you were even put in custody by your people.” Princess of the Moon paused, choosing her words carefully. “And yet you were set free by promising to never interfere into things of other species as well people of Earth, only for you to break that oath once again and again. You are…..quite rebellious toward your own kind, Uatu.” Uatu, considering Moon princess words, once again darkened his expression by his own thoughts and he said. “Sadly….It is true that being considered youthful and having a rebellious nature, which put me into trouble with my brethren in more than one occasion. At least once, I was removed from my duty as Watcher of the Earth long ago, but I nevertheless had returned to my true calling, observing the world I became so fond of.” “Returning back to your oath in order to keep observing Earth and helping out humanity, even after you were removed from your duty by your own people?” Shining Amour stated both amazed yet bearing a small hint of disbelief. “By doing this, I don’t know if I shall call it either noble….or disgrace.” Princess Celestia, who remained quiet for some time and considering Uatus own statements and judgements, the Sun princess spoke off. “Uatu, you had broken your oath, which firmly states for each Watcher only to observe but never intervene into happening of the Universe multiple times. And yet, your own people removed you from your duty, but you had returned nevertheless so you could keep observe Earth and continue helping humanity just because of becoming fond of it.” Celestias words were firm yet followed by gentle demeanour. Yet, she eventually denied a warm smile to Watcher. “Yet, in some exceptional situations, just like that Xakku alien attempted to steal Milky Way solar systems Sun, future Captain America send back in time so he could break a time-stream or when Galactus threatened the Earth and even when the entire reality might be at stake, it can be eventually showed that doing the right thing can be sometimes more important than following the old rules and oath. And…rebellion in that case might by shown rather like a justified or even as a good quality.” Celestias statement was unusually gentle and full of sympathy and understanding, matching Uatus own stoic demeanour. They both shared a mutual look, with Celestia smiling warmly, while Uatu only closed his eyes with ghost of smile as well and nodding his head in a seemingly forget mutual respect among Princess of the Sun and the Watcher. In the same instance, Peter who remained so far in background, stepped between Celestia and Uatu and facing the alien with both happy yet somewhat serious expression. “Well….It is really nice we are all having a good time of conversation here in an illusion of outer space, but….you still haven’t told us why you are here in Equestria, Uatu.” Stallion stated misunderstood, standing in front of the Watcher firmly, like we would speak for ever pony present around. Watching the stallions unusual yet understandable stance and sensing that he was awaiting an explanation, Uatu once again as he did many times, like he had something important to say, darkened his expression, thinking deeply as he spoke off. “Spiderman….Peter, Twilight, Luna and the others present in here….I came a long way through time and space across the another dimension into your world to give a warning. You all are in a grave danger.” The Watcher stated with calm yet serious tone, earning a collective gazes from the others. “As you all have arguably found out by yesterday…Gorgar, an evil demonic ram necromancer escaped from Shadow World into your world and threatens to take over the Equestria by force and engulfing it into darkness.” Watchers own mention of Grogar earned even more bewildered gazes from ponies standing around, yet Peter, who seemed indifferent by aliens statement, huffed sarcastically. “Come on, Uatu. Are you not telling us anything new -- Ow!” Peter blurted bluntly as he painfully rubbed the back of his neck that Twiligh as always smacked big time. However, Twilight eyed Uatu a bit questionably. “How do you know about Grogar, Uatu? Have you….actually been watching us as well? Despite of a different dimensional boundaries between Earth and Equestria?” “In a way….Yes, Twilight.” Uatu replied, paying young princess arguable confused reaction no mind. “You see, back in Blue Area of the Moon, I have a portal that enables me to observe other dimensions as well as alternate realities. I also possess an enormous array of artifacts and technologies created by various alien races.” The Watcher explained, yet his expression one again darkened. “Yet…I fear that you still don’t understand the seriousness of the situation.” Both Peter and Twilight looked at each other shamefully and with a mutual mere nod they silently promised to be silent and not interjecting. They both looked at Princess Celestia, who also nod by response. “Go on.” She instructed Uatu to continue. “As you all also saw in the crystal orb, Grogar, with his very own gem, known as Crystal of Darkness attempted to control other stones, representing elements, as fire, water and air of three powerful Elemental lords, Lavan, Squirk and Arabus, who led an Elemental War among each other for dominance and absolute rule over Ponyland three thousand years ago.” Uatu mentioned the events the others observed in the Crystal orb. “Do you actually think….” Luna exhaled quite in shock, like she would know or having an ida what Uatu was thinking. “I am afraid so, Luna.” Uatu replied back without ever losing his passive and stoic demeanour. “And though I don’t know for sure, I am more than willing to have a suspicious that Grogar actually plans to finish his plan that he started three millennia ago….By collecting all the Elemental Stones along with Crystal of Darkness. Because if Grogar success in his desire and combining the power of all four Stones together as well as with his newly gained improved magical abilities via his magical collar and bell……” Uatu paused a bit, leaving other ponies around tense as he went on. “It would give him an ultimate power beyond imagining. Like…..Control over time, space and reality.” Everypony gasped simultaneously in shock. “Is that possible?” Twilight blurted out. “I guess so.” Pinkie, surprisingly exhaled, earning a collective looks of the others around her. “Do you all remember the time when Peter had fought that evil alien giant wearing that strange fancy golden gauntlet with sets of powerful stones able to control reality? I guess this might be just the case.” Pinkies theory garnered a collection of bewildered expressions from those around her. “Eeehm….Pinkie.” Peter blurted out slightly dumbfounded. “I believe you mean Thanos and Infinity Gauntlet.” “That is actually….A good point, Pinkie.” Applejack rubbed her chin, agreeing with her friends suggestion. Uatu on the other hand could do nothing by nod. “I see that even despite you rather…..eccentric nature and rather so called comic relief, you are actually very bright Pinkie. You will never cease to amaze your friends as well as me.”Uatu complimented Pinkies hidden yet remarkable observing and deducting skills, earning a chuckle from a pink mare. “But then again….there is a certain familiarity between Elementary Stones and Infinity Gems back from Peters dimension of Earth. The stones, all together are precious atifacts of rather cosmic or magic origins that give the possessor master over a certain power. And in Grogars, Lavans, Squirk and Arabus case, it was a control over darkness, fire, water and air. And as I said before, collecting and using all four stones would give the wielder ultimate power.” “Oh great. Just what we have needed.” Peter murmured sarcastically. “An Infinity War scenario in an Equestrian like style.” “Huh?” Spike blurted bewildered, having not a slightest clue what Peter meant by that, yet baby dragon didnt like the sound of that. However, like out of instincts, Princess Celestia spoke off. “Uatu. Thank we are very thankful for your concern, but.....Even if Grogar wanted to collect all Elementary Stones and using them all combined to gain an absolute power, It would be ratherhighly unlikely for him to ever find them and achieving his goal. After an Elementary War, the stones were lost, scattering throughout the land of Equestria and never being seen again afterwards.” Sun goddess explained in a reassuring tone. “And besides…” Now Luna spoke off, edging closer to her sister. “Even if Grogar attempted to find those stones, he would have a trouble and very unlike finding them. Because of Lavan, Squirk and Arabus, three Elemental Lords, the ones who created those stones from their own flesh and essences and due to their own unique energy or magic signature, they were also the only ones who could sense their presence.” “And….” Cadance was the third one who was about to finish the theory. “Lavan, Squirk and Arabus, exhausted after decades of taking struggle feel into a dormant sleep and they have never seen again. And then again, It also might be possible that they could even stay in their hibernation forever. Right, auntie?” Pink mare looked at a taller alicorn with a hopeful gaze, but unfortunately quite for her dismay, Celestia denied an uncertain and unreadable expression. “Princess Celestia….?” Twilight asked, concerned by her former mentors sudden expression change. “Mmm….I guess it means NO.” Peter muttered bluntly, judging from Celestias facial expressions. “But then anyway….I guess it would be unlikely that they just could weak up from their three thousand years nap any time soon, right?” The stallion tried to turn on a more positive and hopeful tone. “I just wish you were right, my friend.” Uatu suddenly sighed with his hand folded with darkened expression, evident that he was about to bring up a bad news. “Uatu…?” Peter asked uneasily as he watched Watchers unreadable expression quite in dismay. “Why do you have that look? I really hate when someone or somepony get this kind of look, because it can only mean one thing….trouble, isn’t it?” Stallion muttered under his breath. Uatu opened his big glowing eyes, and despite that, it could be easily recognized a hint of concern and even a little worry in his face. “I am afraid that the situation actually might by far worse than you think my friends.” Giant alien stated as he earned both collective gazes of every pony around him. “It is true that Grogar represents a severe threat to you home and that he is villain that needs to be take care off, as well as possibility that even Elementals, Lavan, Squirk and Arabus might wake up from their slumber any time soon, but….” Uatu paused a little before he went on, though speaking much more cautiously than usually. “Right now….There is something more…..much bigger threat to Equestria….Something more dangerous than Grogar or Elementals combined.” “What?” Shining Armor blurted out bewildered. “What do you mean?” Chrysalis, a changeling queen blurted out was well in disbelief. “Something more dangerous?” Fluttershy muttered worryingly. “Oh dear. What by the stars that possibly might be?” “What?!” Suddenly, Rainbow Dash jerked out, dashing with a speed of bullet as she was just a few meters away from Uatus face, a both frustration and bewilderment present in her expression. “And you just couldn’t tell us before?” “My apologies, Rainbow Dash.” Uatu tried to temper a pegasus, who was flipping her wings and maintain her stern eye contact with him. “Sometimes I tend to carry myself away a bit. Besides…I have needed to gain your trust, because otherwise I don’t suppose you would give a trust to a strange alien being at the first place that easily.” Considering Watchers words, that were actually nothing but true, Rainbow Dash eventually managed to calm down, nodding in agreement and soaring to the ground. “As I have mentioned…..Grogar….” Uatu started over. “Didn’t escape from the Shadow World by himself. As Princess Celestia and Luna stated before, no one would ever manage to escape from that place without an ability to travel across dimensions. He also didn’t get his magical collar and bell back in there as well as enhancing his magical abilities all by himself at the first place. He had got help.” “A help?” Applejack blurted out bewildered. “Like from whom in tarnation?” “DICSCORD?!?” Both Peter and Twilight gaped and jerking out simultaneously, addressing a very well known draconequus with reality warping abilities, their old and uneasy enemy. “My friends…..” Uatu tried to reassure the pair. “Even though being a Watcher and observing things……even I don’t know for sure. But…….Let me tell you…..” “Several months ago, back in a Blue Area of the Moon, when I kept observing the Earth and daily event occurring on it, as well as via my portal that allows me to observe alternate realities as well as other dimensions and as my enhanced and complex intelligence enables me to monitor throughout Earths solar system simultaneously, I was checking lots of different worlds and dimensions, when I found a very dark, strange and seemingly forgotten alternate dimension, as it is called as Shadow World.” “It was an endless space, filled with what look like a floating rocks, withered and dead trees and surrounded by nothing but a dark violet sparkling darkness.” “And….In the darkest and deepest place of that dimension I saw Grogar, imprisoned by chains of seemingly magical origins, each fixed on four floating rocks. It should keep him imprisoned in there for all eternity” “However…….He was approached by a strange, dark and ominous entity in a form of a giant dark cloud of smoke, literally towering over Grogar. Though being surrounded by darkness of the Shadow World, it was unusually dark as black hole, bursting flames through a strangely shaped mouth and an evil red glowing eyes that could virtually pierce through dark, clouds and body.” “Whatever it was, it must have been something ancient, like time itself, possessing a power of a seemingly omniscient proportions and being literally….a manifest of a pure evil. I had never seen anything like that for my near eternity long life as a Watcher.” “Due to disturbances and dark energies in Shadow World, even with my well enhanced senses, I couldn’t see nor hear through the portals screen what Grogar and that entity were talking about, but I can certainly say that they had seemed to making some sort of deal. And then, like it would do it by a mere thought, Grogars magical collar along with his bell materialized out of nowhere and locking by itself on Grogars neck, who then used its magical power to break free from his restrains.” “For quite some time they have been having a conversation, when suddenly, a swarm of strange winged creatures resembling half ponies and half bats emerged from the darkness of the dimension and just like on its command, they surrounded the dark entity obediently and from respect, like it would actually be their master. I believe, that you may know those creatures here in Equestria as Thestrals.” “Grogar, than via his collar and bell opened a dimensional portal and escaping from Shadow World right into Equestrai, leaving a dark entity and its Thestrals behind.” By the time, as Uatu explained the situation, everypony present around seemed even more confused and bewildered than before. However, poor Fluttershy, a sensitive and shy pegasus trembled in fear, by Uatus mention of a “dark and ominous being” as well as Thestrals, could do nothing but edge closer to Cadance who instinctively put her hoof on pegassus shoulder to make her feel more secure, yet even a pink alicorn look like slightly uncertain or even taken aback by Watchers meantion. Luna, however on the other hoof seemed to be affected the most by Uatus mention of the mysterious dark entity. Her hooves somehow started fidgeting, becoming slightly apprehensive as an iron clad mare lacked her usual surety. The memories surfaced as Uatus description of the dark entity bore quite a matching familiarity of her nightmare that she had yesterday. Celestia, sensing her little sisters sudden trepidation, edged closet and gently placing a hoof on her shoulder, waking Luna from her self-induced stare and giving her a warm smile. Luna eventually returned her own smile to her older sister, seemingly calmed down a bit. “Hey, Uatu….” Peter muttered under his breath sarcastically. “If you are trying to spoke us out, then I think it is working. You know what? You could have change this entire illusion scenery somewhere in the woods at night with a camp fire. Then it would be very fitting -- Ow!” Stallion jerked painfully as Twilight bumped him into his gut a scowling him. “Uatu…” Twilight shifted her gaze to a Watcher questioningly. “What about that dark entity? Are you actually saying that you have no idea what that might be?” Uatu sadly shook his head in dismay. “I am sorry, Twilight. Though I can observe and see many things occurring at once, even Watcher cannot know everything. But I am afraid, that those matters are no longer in my grasp. Therefore, it is up to you to protect your home against Grogar and hidden raising darkness. I am a mere messenger who has come to warn you." To be continue.....